The Greatest Story Ever Told came to the air on January 26th, 1947. It was ambitious, with a full orchestra and sixteen-person chorus. It dramatized the life of Jesus and was the first series to use Christ as a continuing character.

There were no cast credits: Warren Parker played Jesus. No pictures were taken of the performers at work, and there was no studio audience. There were also no commercials: just a simple tag reminding listeners that the program was brought by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

The show was guided by an interdenominational advisory board. The sound effects were praised, with sandals simulated and animal noises recorded at the Bronx Zoo.

This episode told the story of “The Good Samaritan” from the Gospel of Luke.

It’s about a traveller stripped, beaten, and left half dead along the roadside. First a Jewish priest and then a Levite comes by, but both avoid the man. Finally, a Samaritan happens upon the traveller. Samaritans and Jews despised each other, but the Samaritan helps the injured man.

It’s a parable to remind people that we are always our brothers and sister’s keepers.